In mid-March, more than 30 Church-Based Seminary partners and TUMI site coordinators gathered near Houston for a time of learning, connection, and shared purpose. Leaders came from across the U.S. and Mexico, representing churches and ministries committed to equipping pastors and strengthening communities experiencing poverty.
Throughout the gathering, there was a clear sense of encouragement, collaboration, and renewed vision. Leaders stepped away from the demands of daily ministry to connect with one another, share insight, and be strengthened for the work ahead.
Leaders came carrying stories, challenges, and a deep commitment to their communities. They left encouraged, refreshed, and energized for the work ahead.
A Space to Encourage and Be Encouraged
“What made this gathering meaningful,” said Jordan King, World Impact’s Senior Network Director, “was the shared experience and sense of belonging that each of them have with each other.”
Throughout the gathering, leaders stepped into that space fully. They connected with peers who understand the weight and joy of ministry. They shared wisdom. They prayed together and for World Impact Staff. They encouraged one another in ways that only fellow laborers in the gospel can.
For many, that sense of connection was immediate. “We see that we’re not the only ones,” said Danny Gonzales, a Church-Based Seminary leader from San Diego.
One participant summed it up simply: “This was exactly what we needed.”
Jordan reflected on the impact of the time together. “So many of our partners do so much with so few resources. It was a privilege to pour back into their lives and ministries through this gathering.” He also noted the joy in the room and the strong sense of community that formed as leaders spent time together.
Learning That Strengthens Ministry
The gathering also created space for practical, forward-looking training. Breakout sessions focused on trauma healing, prison ministry, international ministry initiatives, and new opportunities for online learning through The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) Cornerstone curriculum.
For many leaders, these tools open new doors.
“I’m excited about this,” said Curtis Gee, executive director of New Life Dream Center in California. He shared that many of the pastors he serves are bi-vocational and have limited availability. Online training creates new pathways for them to grow and lead with confidence. “It’s something we’re definitely going to pursue.”
That shared enthusiasm carried throughout the sessions as leaders explored how to expand training, reach more students, and strengthen their local ministries.
Worship, Vision, and a Shared Calling
The gathering included times of worship filled with music, prayer, and gratitude to God. Leaders lifted their voices together and gave thanks for one another and for the work God is doing through their ministries.
During one session, Rev. Dr. Don Davis, founder of The Urban Ministry Institute and senior executive advisor to World Impact’s president, reflected on the early days of TUMI. He described its beginnings as bold and faith-filled, shaped by a deep belief that God can work powerfully through ordinary people.
“We believed God could do anything with anyone,” he said.
He connected that same spirit of faith to the future through World Impact’s 2030 Missional Goals. These goals call the ministry to expand its reach and deepen its impact in communities experiencing poverty around the world. They include strengthening the health of 500 churches, doubling training presence in prisons across North America, and equipping 10,000 leaders through accessible online learning.
They also point toward making biblical training available in 40 countries and expanding trauma healing efforts so that the majority of participants are able to apply biblical truth in their healing journey.
Dr. Davis emphasized that God-driven goals bring clarity, focus, and momentum to the work. They reflect a shared commitment to equip leaders, strengthen churches, and extend the reach of the gospel in lasting ways.
He reminded leaders that transformation happens through people. “We are the curriculum,” he said, pointing to lives being shaped and sent out for Kingdom work.
Partners Committed to the Work
The gathering also highlighted the dedication of leaders who are investing deeply in others.
Pamela and Danny Gonzales, cofounders of Pillar of Fire Church in San Diego, attended as graduates of the Capstone program and mentors to emerging leaders. “We’re Capstone diehards,” Pam shared with a smile.
For Danny, the gathering carried a deep sense of affirmation.
“One of the things I loved about this is we see that we’re not the only ones,” he said. “There are plenty of other brothers and sisters going through the same challenges.”
That realization expanded as he looked around the room and beyond.
“It’s not just San Diego,” he said. “It’s all across the United States. It’s in Africa, Central America. It’s everywhere. The Lord is working.”
Moments like these reinforced the power of community and shared calling. “It brings affirmation and confirmation that we’re in the right spot,” Danny said.
Rev. Earl Wright, who leads a TUMI site near Philadelphia, shared a similar sense of encouragement. “I’m so glad I came,” he said. “The whole meeting has been encouraging to me. I’ll just say for me, it has blessed my soul.”
Each leader brought a unique story. Together, they reflected a shared commitment to raising up pastors, discipling leaders, and building healthy churches in their communities.
Looking Ahead with Hope
As the gathering came to a close, there was a clear sense of momentum. New connections had formed. Partnerships had deepened. Leaders returned home encouraged and equipped for the work ahead.
Jordan shared his hope for the future. “Our goal is to develop our partnerships in intentional ways so that they deepen, and our partners feel supported and encouraged as we work together to transform communities for the Kingdom.”
Thank you for your continued partnership in this work.
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